A review of Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland in 2017.

Abstract

Introduction: Ireland has three times the average rate of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) worldwide (www.cfireland.ie).28% of lung transplantation (LTx) in Ireland to date has been for CF. Early physiotherapy intervention is acknowledged as an essential in the treatment and management of the post LTx population (Hirche et al.,2014). Design: A retrospective review of the post-transplant journey of all LTx for CF performed in 2017 in the Irish National Lung Transplant Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH), Dublin. Results: 9 CF patients, 7 male and 2 female with an average age of 33 yrs, underwent a double LTx in 2017 with 100% survival.4 were admitted for transplant to MMUH from another hospital and 5 from home. 8 were on 02 therapy pre Tx ranging in flows from 2lpm to 12lpm. The average post-operative length of stay was 20.5 days (between 15 and 30 days). 33.3% of patients were mobilised with the physiotherapy team within 1 hour of extubation with all patients having mobilised approximately 100 mtrs within 12 hours of extubation. Pre transplant 6 minute walk test (6MWT) was an average of 27.2 mtrs (5-80 mtrs) and post transplant 6MWT was an average of 387 mtrs (165-490 mtrs) with no patients requiring 02 therapy on discharge from MMUH. Conclusion: There was 100% survival with all patients being discharged home within an average of 20.5 days post Tx. 100% were mobilised with physiotherapists within 12 hours of extubation, with an average increase in 6MWT on discharge of 360 mtrs. No patients required 02 therapy on discharge from MMUH.